-ing modifiers (participle phrase) with and without a comma


This page is really short but important.


To hit the perfect score in the SAT and the ACT, understand how these two sentences are different.


I saw Jane, walking down the street.

vs.


I saw Jane walking down the street.




Though there are exceptions, when “- ing modifier” is used with a COMMA, it GENERALLY modifies the subject of the sentence.


I saw Jane, walking down the street.


(I was walking, not Jane)




If a comma is not used between the noun and “- ing modifier,” it modifies the word next to it.


I saw Jane walking down the street.


(Jane was walking, not I)





 

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